MAYETTA, Kan. -- Thunderhill Speedway in Mayetta, Kan., announced today that three classes will be sanctioned by the United States Racing Association (USRA) for 2006. The Modifieds, Stock Cars (Factory Stocks) and Hobby Stocks will all race under the USRA banner at the 4/10-mile high-banked, high-speed dirt oval. Superstocks, Pony Stocks and Thundersprints will also compete on a regular basis at Thunderhill, although they will not be sanctioned.

The USRA sanctioning brings the opportunity for drivers to race for a guaranteed track points fund, along with a national points fund as part of the USRA Casey's General Stores Weekly Racing Series. The top spots in the track's point funds are as follows: Modifieds $1,000, Stock Cars $700 and Hobby Stocks $500.

The track's points funds are guaranteed with 16 race nights for each class, and points are accumulated for every race completed. On the national level, the top paying spots are $10,000 for Modifieds, $2,000 for Stock Cars and $1,500 for Hobby Stocks. National points are based off of a driver's 20 best finishes from USRA-sanctioned speedways.

Thunderhill Speedway will use USRA rules in the Modified division, and will gradually convert to USRA Stock Car (Factory Stocks) and USRA Hobby Stock rules over the course of two years. Drivers competing at other USRA tracks must conform to USRA rules unless otherwise specified by that track. Drivers will be required to purchase a USRA license that registers them with the series, provides additional insurance and is good at any USRA-sanctioned speedway. License applications can be found at the USRA website (www.usraracing.com) or be purchased at the speedway.

Including Thunderhill, the USRA currently sanctions 18 speedways across the Midwest. Two speedways are in Kansas (Thunderhill and Humboldt), four are in Missouri, seven are in Iowa, four are in Minnesota and one track is located in Wisconsin.

About the USRA

The United States Racing Association (USRA) was formed in 2001 with a mission of accomplishing three goals: increased driver participation, increased attendance and increased sponsorship for each USRA-sanctioned racetrack. The USRA serves as a marketing partner with the bottom line of our sanctioned tracks at interest, and we are committed to maintaining guidelines to make racing affordable and fun for racers, yet exciting and competitive for fans. The USRA is committed to providing a combination of cost-effective rules for competitors in weekly auto racing and effective marketing strategies to assist in the growth and popularity of the tracks at which they compete. For more information regarding the USRA, call (515) 832-7944 or visit the USRA online at www.usraracing.com.

For more information about Thunderhill Speedway, email thunderhillspeedway2002@yahoo.com or call (785) 966-2844.